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what do you think of the name Abel?

21 replies

MaElsie · 19/01/2011 16:26

Have always loved the name Abel - sounds lovely and soft shortened to Abe and has great associations for me.

But do you think it's awful or that it sounds too like an adjective?

Would you ever consider it as a first name, or just a middle one?

Also, have you ever heard of anyone (born in this century) who has the name?

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NormalityBites · 19/01/2011 16:27

Cain and Abel

Abel and Cole

I wouldn't use it. Too biblical. I know an Abraham that is shortened to Abe.

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deemented · 19/01/2011 16:29

Love it!!

It's on my list for next time as a first name, definately.

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PorkChopSter · 19/01/2011 16:29

I'd say Abraham, or Mabel for a girl?

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Imarriedafrog · 19/01/2011 16:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StickyProblem · 19/01/2011 16:32

In isolation it's a nice name...but people will think they've misheard everytime you or he say his name. Imagine the jokes.
I'm Abel (and I'm willing...?)
Then there's the biblical "killed by his brother" reference. Sorry. Awful IMO.

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sophiesmummie · 19/01/2011 16:32

Great classic, easy to spell/say, underused name!

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MaElsie · 19/01/2011 16:40

Actually, it's the Biblical reference that I like... the son who was humble and pleased God (even if he was killed by his envious brother). It does sound a bit Victorian, but then a lot of the old names are coming back.

Yes, am a bit concerned about the whole jokes thing.... Abel and willing, etc.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to convince dh of it as a 1st name, but you never know! We wanted something unusual after all.

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PlanetLizard · 19/01/2011 16:44

I like it.

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englishmummyinwales · 19/01/2011 16:45

I am slightly ashamed of my 'celebrity baby name' knowledge, but I am pretty sure that Paul O'Grady's grandson is called Abel. Seem to remember that he wasn't too keen on the name himself and made a joke about it when he first announced it.(my defence for watching his old teatime show was that I was breastfeeding DS1 from what seemed like morning until night.

Having said that, I actually like it, it's classic but a bit different.

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Minione · 19/01/2011 18:17

I like it! Probably prefe Abraham but it is a lovely name. Yes, Paul O'Grady's grandson is called this!

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Nospringflower · 19/01/2011 18:22

Like it too but I do have a Saul so like biblical names.

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BellaBearisWideAwake · 19/01/2011 18:25

I like it but couldn't use it myself as have a Seth and it's a bit too close, biblically

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Lonnie · 19/01/2011 19:46

Beautiful

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JojoMags · 19/01/2011 19:49

I agree its a nice name taken in isolation but the biblical associations are fairly awful, as those connected with Abraham. I liked Abraham for DS 3, then looked more at Abraham's story in the Bible and decided there was no way I could use it. If the associations don't bother you however, go for it.

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meadowlarks · 19/01/2011 20:10

I like it. There were 33 born last year so you wouldn't be alone. It's been on my list a few times but the adjective connotations put me off.

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ILikeToMoveItMoveIt · 19/01/2011 20:17

I think it's a lovely name.

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meisje · 19/01/2011 22:25

My little 10-week old nephew is Abel-I love it!

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iskra · 20/01/2011 14:41

my mum's middle name is Abel (it's a family surname). I like it actually.

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RetroMum1 · 20/01/2011 14:44

and cole

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LetThereBeRock · 20/01/2011 14:57

It's awful.

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minipie · 20/01/2011 15:05

Cain and Abel associations. Best if he doesn't have a brother.

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